In the mid-1800s, when the British set up Indian Railways, they made some communities rather unhappy. These people were appalled by the absence of separate bogies for their caste. Imagine the possibility of sharing tables then?

From the ‘chintan-manthan’ on Mangalyaan emerged this gem that our rocket cost less than an apartment in uptown Manhattan. Well done, India, sending out an inter-planetary spacecraft with more dash than cash. Mangalyaan, whose further success we most earnestly want, is an exciting outcome delivered despite the usual challenges.

Two hundred and five members of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee, who were elected at the 18th Congress of the CCP in November 2012, convened in Beijing for the 18th CC's three-day Third Plenary session beginning November 9. Jayadeva Ranade writes.

Earthen diyas earlier symbolised Diwali. But nowadays, decorative candles of a variety of hues and shapes have replaced the traditional lamp. Their increasing popularity should, however, not blind us to the fire hazard posed by them.

The tenement blocks collapsed like sandcastles. Landmarks were swallowed up like Lego bricks. But most devastating of all was the massive loss of life — families torn apart by a disaster of frightening proportions. Mary Robinson writes.

The ‘People’s Unity Against Communalism’ convention held recently in New Delhi appears to have been an exercise in irrelevance. It was not a launching pad for a new political and electoral alliance as admitted by the convention’s organisers. Ajoy Bose writes.

Even decisions arrived at after due deliberation, taking all factors into account, observing extant rules, and in good faith, which may seem excellent at that point of time, can turn out be unwise at a later date. RC Acharya writes.

Bans are the bane of any free society; hypocrisy, the biggest deterrent to social reform. We have a large share of bans, and a fairly large share of hypocrisy too. When it comes to cruelty against animals, the list of bans is ever lengthening. Arefa Tehsin and Raza H Tehsin write.